How are you today > I’m worried about my health > I think I have a mole or mark on my skin that needs checked

I've not been to see my GP

How we can help

It’s important to look out for any changes to your skin or moles as this could be a sign of skin cancer. 
When checking your skin use the ABCD rule to help you remember the main warning signs for malignant melanoma:

• Asymmetry: The two halves of your mole do not look the same
• Border: The edges of your mole are irregular, blurred or jagged
• Colour: The colour of your mole is uneven, with more than one shade
• Diameter: Your mole is wider than 6mm in diameter

If you notice any changes it’s important that you go for further investigations as soon as possible.  In the majority of cases skin cancer will be ruled out. However, if skin cancer is diagnosed the earlier it’s caught the better the treatment outcome.

Find out more about skin cancer risks - here
Find out more about skin cancer symptoms - here 

If you’re concerned about a change in your skin you can bypass your GP and refer yourself to our skin cancer diagnostics service through our preferred provider SkinHealth UK. This includes:

• An appointment with a specialist dermatology nurse within 5 days of calling Cigna.  The nurse will perform dermoscopy where any marks or moles on your skin are photographed with a high resolution digital camera.  These photographs are then reviewed by consultants. Most people are given the all clear at this stage, however some will be referred onto a consultant for further investigation.
• If necessary, a consultant will further review any marks or moles on your skin and may take a biopsy.  The biopsy will be sent for testing and you’ll then receive a diagnosis.

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When you need to refer yourself for skin cancer diagnostics

SkinHealth UK operate a UK-wide network of skin cancer diagnostic clinics for those with skin cancer symptoms. 

What to expect following your appointment

• Following your nurse appointment, you’ll receive your results from SkinHealth UK within 5 working days.  Most people will be given the all clear.
• If further investigation is required, SkinHealth UK will book you an appointment with a consultant within 10 days.
• At your consultation the consultant may take a biopsy.  Following this you will receive a diagnosis within 5 working days.

If you prefer to visit your GP for a referral before you call Cigna, you can do this. Being able to self-refer is simply another option for your convenience.